Red Bull make title history in growing F1 arena

Red Bull made history in the F1 sim racing world championship by securing a record-breaking fourth constructors' title, as well as becoming the first team to twice retain its crown.

The four-man crew pipped Alpine to glory, although the latter had the consolation of seeing 18-year-old Otis Lawrence crowned the drivers' champion.

Red Bull's triumph at F1’s Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, and at the virtual Yas Marina Circuit, allowed them to secure the lion's share of the $750,000 prize pool.

Ferrari was third in the constructors' standings, whilst one of its drivers, Ismael Fahssi, was runner-up in the drivers' title fight. Red Bull's Jarno Opmeer was third.

Overall, nine teams were involved, competing across 12 rounds at four live events. The first was in Birmingham, and the remaining three at Biggin Hill.

After taking the title and making history, Red Bull Esports Lead Morgan Ashurst said: "We entered the season as the defending champions, with everything to lose.

"The team are ecstatic to not only defend the title, but write history again as the first double back-to-back teams' champions."

As for Lawrence, he said: “Winning the drivers’ championship means so much to me. I have dedicated so much time to the championship, with the longer game cycle, it feels amazing to come out on top.

"I’m looking forward to coming back next year and defending the title."

F1 chief commercial officer Emily Prazer said this year's championship had "provided an incredible season".

She added: "From racing in front of 50,000 passionate fans at DreamHack Birmingham, to hosting events in our own purpose-built facility in Biggin Hill, we’ve taken significant steps forward in delivering a truly world-class esports competition.

"Congratulations to Red Bull and Alpine’s Otis Lawrence on their outstanding achievements this season. To win four constructors’ championships in such a competitive field is a remarkable accomplishment, and for Otis to become champion at just 18 years old is an incredible feat.

"We’re proud of the continued growth of F1 sim racing and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead."

Highlighting the growth, the opening event in Birmingham attracted over 3.9 million live viewers across the three rounds of racing, an 85 per cent increase compared to last year.